July 1st: Are You Ready?

It’s July 1^st: Are You Ready?

On July 1, 2018, California’s new regulations governing the packaging and licensing of cannabis begins.

CBPH Issued Universal Cannabis Symbol

Although we’re not regulatory experts, we can help with compliance to the packaging and labeling requirements coming to California.  And recently, we’ve had a lot of questions from our customers on these issues.  Let me tell you more about the requirements as we understand them; and how we can help.

First; Child Resistant Packaging is required for all cannabis packaging.  If you need a child resistant package, we offer the MPACK; the first new pharmacy vial since the 50’s. 

18 and 30 Dram MPACK's

 Plus, we have them available in two sizes; 18 dram (3.125” tall x.92” wide) and 30 dram (4” tall x .92” wide).

And most importantly, these packages are certified child resistant:

MPACK Child Resistant Certification

Second to Child Resistant, packaging must be tamper evident.  With the MPACK, we recommend labeling over the top/bottom sections where the packaging separates.

Labeled MPACKS

With the addition of a perforation, separation of the label between the top and bottom is easy to do. 

Tamper Evident Paper Label

For other types of packages, we have paper labels with a durable adhesive that acts as a tamper evident seal.  Once the adhesive is set, the paper can’t be removed (on most surfaces) without shredding.  If interested, we can send you matte paper labels to test on your packaging.

MPACK's In Color

Third, packages for edibles must be opaque. As seen in the above picture, we have the MPACKS in a variety of colors, with the option of a monochrome image on the package itself. 

Fourth, packages must be resealable; the child resistant “Snaps” on the sides make the MPACK resealable. 

Resealable MPACK

Even with the side snaps, the MPACKS are so easy to open they qualify as Senior Friendly!

MPACK Senior Certification

In addition to the packaging requirements, California has new labeling requirements; both on the “Primary Panel” label and the “Informational Panel” label. On the Primary panel, the label must:

• Identify the product
• Provide the THC/CBD content
• Contain the CBPH Issued Universal Cannabis Symbol
• Include net weight or volume.

On the Information panel, the label must contain:

• Manufacturer's name/contact information (website/phone number)
• Manufacture date
• Government warning statement
• Ingredient list
• Instructions for use
• Expiration date
• Unique ID/Batch number

(FYI: I found this page helpful.  https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/MCSB/Pages/PackagingandLabelingFAQs.aspx )

As for the warning statement, I found this paragraph:

“GOVERNMENT WARNING: THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS CANNABIS, A SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND ANIMALS. CANNABIS PRODUCTS MAY ONLY BE POSSESSED OR CONSUMED BY PERSONS 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER UNLESS THE PERSON IS A QUALIFIED PATIENT. THE INTOXICATING EFFECTS OF CANNABIS PRODUCTS MAY BE DELAYED UP TO TWO HOURS. CANNABIS USE WHILE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING MAY BE HARMFUL. CONSUMPTION OF CANNABIS PRODUCTS IMPAIRS YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE AND OPERATE MACHINERY. PLEASE USE EXTREME CAUTION.”

For edible products, the label must contain any allergen information, list of artificial food colors, and nutritional information.

If you decide that your labels need to meet Prop 65 requirements, please see this earlier post:  http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2017/09/new-ca-prop-65-requirements.html

To print the Unique ID, Batch Number, Expiration date, THC content, CBD content, and all other variable data, we recommend BarTender; the leading label design and printing software.  With this software, it’s easy to add information to an established label template at print time or integrate with a database as simple as Excel to pull variable data onto a printed label.

If interested in BarTender, here is the link for a free 30-day trial download.

https://www.seagullscientific.com/downloads/label-software/barcode-label-printing-software-download/

 And to start, I suggest you watch these three short videos:

 https://support.seagullscientific.com/hc/en-us/articles/204791538-Getting-started-with-BarTender-Video-7-43- Getting Started

https://support.seagullscientific.com/hc/en-us/articles/214448067-Data-entry-forms-Designing-a-data-entry-form-Video-5-51-  Data Entry Forms

https://support.seagullscientific.com/hc/en-us/articles/204770598-Getting-started-with-database-connections-Video-5-20- Database Connections

Purchase BarTender and software maintenance here:  https://colorlabelsolutions.com/product-category/label-software/

Overall, we have a child-resistant package, tamper evident labels and software to make printing variable data easy to do.  Plus, we’ll help you design and print the labels you want to use on-demand and in color.  Contact us if we can help you with your new California labels.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

Inkjet Coated Kraft

All the time, we get requests for Kraft paper labels. 

However, I’ve found these Kraft labels to print poorly with inkjet printers.  The primary reason for poor print quality is that the ink will migrate/spread on plain paper.  This migration or spread makes the print quality look “fuzzy” and frankly, not good.  Wish I had a closeup picture; so hopefully you can imagine what I mean.

Almost all of the labels we sell have an inkjet coating.  This coating adheres the ink to the surface of the label, preventing the ink from migrating/spreading; and making the ink bind to the paper stronger.  For example, inkjet coating enables us to sell durable, poly labels that meet the BS5609 requirements.  To meet the requirements for the marine shipment of chemicals, printed labels must survive in the ocean and resist server abrasion testing.  Learn more about BS5609 from these older posts here: 

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2012/03/bs5609-is-no-bs.html and 

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2013/03/kimdura-better-results.html

Now we have just launched a new inkjet coated Kraft paper label that prints great!

Inkjet Coated Kraft Paper Labels

When we received the new inkjet coated Kraft paper, we printed the material using a relatively low-resolution artwork. 

C3500 Printed Inkjet Coated Kraft Labels

And compared it to our standard matte paper:

Matte Paper vs Inkjet Coated Kraft Paper Labels

From our print tests, we found the print quality of the new inkjet coated material much better than traditional Kraft paper labels and almost as good as our standard matte paper labels.

Once tested, we sold it almost immediately to a customer, Kristy of Blue Rock Acres. 

http://bluerockacres.com/

When asked why Blue Rock Acres was interested in a Kraft paper label, Kristy said, “The company was looking for a label that would distinguish our A and B Brands. We went with Kraft-backed packaging for the new B brand and thought the look should carry over to the label as well. We wanted a brown bag appearance, a wholesale or low-price vibe, while still being eye catching to the consumer. I think the Kraft labels capture this extremely well and I am very pleased with the new labels.”

Blue Rock Acres Printed Labels

Considering these labels were printed with a relatively low-resolution C3500 printer, I think they look great!  According to Kristy, “The new Kraft labels look great and print great, including small print disclaimers and barcodes! Just the look we wanted.”

If you are looking for vintage or brown paper look for your labels, consider our new inkjet coated Kraft paper.  You’ll find these labels print great; and convey the desired brand image.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

ZPL With The C7500

Recently, I had reason to practice printing ZPL to a C7500.

ZPL Datastream Printed With The C7500

Let me tell you more about to use this capability in the Epson C7500 printer.

Before I begin, you may be asking what is ZPL?  Zebra Programming Language (ZPL) is the command language used by all ZPL compatible printers. It is a command-based language used by the printer as instructions for creating the images printed on the labels.  Although I can’t find the history of ZPL, Zebra Technologies changed it’s name in 1982 to focus on thermal transfer printers; and was probably using a version of this language at that time: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebra_Technologies.   Sato claims to have invented thermal transfer technology with the launch in 1981:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal-transfer_printing.  Before Windows, desktop printers used a print language.  And many of Zebra’s competitors offer ZPL emulations or interpreters.

From my perspective, ZPL offers a few key benefits; primarily speed and legacy installed base.  With ZPL, the application sends only the variable data to the printer; making time to first print very fast.  By using a preprinted label or uploading a template, you can embed non-variable objects onto the label.  In addition, developers have created applications for decades that use ZPL to print; and Zebra has sold millions of printers to customers who use these applications.

To print a Zebra ZPL print stream using the C7500, you have two options:

• Use a Generic Text Driver
• Use LPR from a command line

To use a Generic Text Driver, you need to add it to your system.  I found the instructions here on how to add this driver: https://dfarq.homeip.net/how-to-add-a-generic-printer-in-windows-10/

Once added, you need to select it to replace the standard C7500 driver on the Advance Tab.

Generic Text Replacing C7500 Driver

Once the driver is installed, you need to change the resolution of the printer.  For the ZPL print stream I had, I needed to change the Resolution in “Printer Setup 1” to 200 dpi.  To make this change, go to Menu on the front panel, page down to select “Printer Setup 1”, page down to select “Resolution”, and then use the arrow keys to select 200 DPI.  Be sure to remember to change this setting back to 600 dpi when finished as well as select C7500 on the Advanced tab in the Driver setting.

To print the ZPL stream, I then opened the ZPL code in Notepad:

ZPL Printstream in Notepad

And printed to the C7500 using the Generic Text Driver.  Worked perfectly.

ZPL Printed Using The C7500

To print using LPR, I found this page seemingly straight forward on how to use this capability:  https://www.cups.org/doc/options.html.  (Full Disclosure:  I never actually used this method to print).  Experts with Linux should find these instructions easy to follow.

Actually, printing the ZPL is the easy part.  I found the uploading and creating the correct image template much more difficult; but figured it out.

On page 98 of the C7500 Operators Manual, you’ll find the instructions on how to select a background image to print.  Get the manual here:   https://files.support.epson.com/docid/other/m00079108.pdf

C7500 Background Image Settings

One key aspect I missed was the last sentence in the initial paragraph: “This setting screen is not displayed if you started the Printer Setting Utility from the printer driver”.  It took a call to Epson Advance Tech Support (562-276-1340) to figure out why I could not see the “Background Image Setting” option.  Once I understood, I downloaded and installed the printer setting utility as a separate application.  You can download this utility here:  https://download.epson-biz.com/modules/colorworks/index.php?page=single_soft&cid=346&pcat=35&pid=5.

Once installed as a separate application, I could select the “Use Shared Background Image”.

To create your background image, follow the instructions on page 99 of the C7500 Operators Manual:

How To Create Preset Image To Upload To A C7500

Key aspects are 1, must be a PNG format.  And 2, you need to create the image using the correct X/Y settings based on the label media size you are printing.  Once you have the correct image created, you can upload it following the instructions on page 98.

Upload Background Image To C7500

Once uploaded, the image prints in color whereas the ZPL code is printed black:

Color Image on ZPL Printed With The C7500

(FYI: I did not take the time to fix the image as the correct size or location.   But it printed!)

Over the years, I had several individuals talk about the ZPL feature of the C7500.  But I never had a company put this feature into operation until now.  With legacy applications, the ability to print native ZPL is an interesting feature of the C7500; especially with the ability to upload images completely eliminating the need to purchase preprinted labels.

If you are interested in using ZPL, contact us.  We’ll help you get started printing quickly.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

Get Your Matrix On

Printing full-bleed correctly can be tricky using die cut labels. 

Full-Bleed Label Printing

The problem is you want the ink to cover the edge of the label but not put too much ink on the exposed liner.  If ink goes onto the liner, you can transfer it to the actual label during application or rewinding.  Or you can’t quite get the label printed without leaving some white on the label.

Full-Bleed Label

 In the past, we’ve tried inkjet coated liners that work perfectly:  http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2017/02/full-bleed-label-media.html

But are expensive to use.

And I’ve written about using a finishing system post printing.  Here is one option I saw at Label Expo:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2017/12/affordable-digital-label-solution.html

Using a label finishing system is great if you are willing to invest in the equipment and change your process to print and then finish (laminate, die cut, weed the matrix and rewind) the labels.  Many companies don’t want to take the time or effort to complete this process.  But a finishing system produces prefect laminated, die cut labels each time.

One last option to produce full-bleed labels involves using slightly different die cut labels; leaving the matrix on.

Matrix On Circle Labels

In the above picture, you’ll see die cut circle labels; but you’ll also see the matrix left on around the die cut forming a rectangle and gap between labels.  With the matrix left on, you can print beyond the die cut label without having to working about the ink transferring.  Works great to produce full-bleed die cut labels.

However, you can’t use labels with the matrix on for label applicators; they will not peel correctly with the matrix left on.  And I’ve been told that labels with the matrix on are more difficult to peel and apply by hand.

To make matrix on labels easier to apply and work with label applicators, DPR has launched an inline matrix remover integrated with the C7500.  Watch this new device work here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=47&v=cIt4yoOYNQE 

And learn more about this system here:  
https://www.dpr-llc.com/en/label-unwinder-rewinder-epson-C7500.html

Now in one step, you can print full-bleed labels completely; and then remove the matrix to have finished die cut labels.  If you have full-bleed artwork and use an applicator/find it difficult to peel and apply labels by hand, the DPR C7500 in-line matrix remover may work for you.  Contact us to learn more and discuss how this new device may make your workflow more productive.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

Pack Expo East 2018

Last week, we exhibited at Pack Expo East  https://www.packexpointernational.com/ in Philadelphia, PA:

Color Label Solutions at Pack Expo East

Although not everything went as planned (inbound shipping was a nightmare), we still had a great experience talking to more than 130 people about print on-demand color labels and corrugated.  Here are 3 “Ah-Ha’s” I took from our experience.

First, our Sales Manager, Grant Lapke did an outstanding job installing, running and packing our NS Multi printer.  Although we shipped this machine a great distance, the print quality was still outstanding.

NS Multi Printed Box

Just look at this box printed with the NS Multi. Or our signs we printed as our backdrop arrived late to the show.

NS Multi Printed Sheet

I’ve written about the print quality before.  http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2018/03/ns-multi-print-quality.html.   But given the shipping, I was impressed at how well Grant got this printer to produce outstanding quality. 

Given the print quality, we spoke to several companies about printing instore merchandizing displays.  The NS Multi would enable large, package good companies to produce personalized displays and end caps quickly.  And with the Caldera’s RIP capability for variable data and images, companies would be able to personalize each end cap uniquely for the store.  The capability of the NS Multi to produce unique and high-quality merchandizing is a new opportunity for us and the market.

Second, we launched a new semi-automatic label applicator integrated with the C7500.

Label Applicator Integrated with the C7500

This applicator uses a sensor and a movable arm to manage the “loose-loop” of labels between the printer and applicator.  You need this Loop given the fact the printer backs up when starting to print.  One feature I found of interest with this new applicator is that you can send a large (i.e. 500) print job to the printer.  As the labels are consumed, the sensor in the loop allows the printer to produce more, always keeping the loop filled.  So if you had a requirement of a batch of 500, you could print approximately 510-520 labels, and know when the batch was completed.  This feature may make this system work better for the operators.  If you are interested in applying labels to round and soon flat containers directly from the C7500, contact us.  We’ll discuss how you could use this new capability in your operation.

Third, we showed again the new L501 from Afinia; which produces beautiful labels.

L501 Printed Label

http://afinialabel.com/introducing-l501-color-label-printer/

And beginning May 1^st, Afinia will start shipping this new product.  From my perspective, the L501 fits companies that need to print great looking labels in relatively small batches.  The cost of the printer is $3500; and offers both dye and pigment ink.  The “Due” Ink Technology aspect is interesting; as dye inks produce generally better colors whereas pigment inks are more durable typically.  If you want great looking labels but don’t want to spend a lot of money for hardware, the L501 may be a great option for you.

Pack Expo was a valuable tradeshow for us.  If you need great looking on-demand color labels, boxes or displays, contact us to discuss your requirements.  We’d appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your business.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

How Not To Kill Your Inkjet Label Printer.

Recently, Tim Semic, our Support Manager, suggested we create a blog on “how not to kill your inkjet label printer”.  I thought immediately, “that’s a great idea”.    Tim suggested the questions; and we both worked on the answers.  This post features answers based on our work with Epson label printers primarily; but the concept applies to label printers based on Memjet and HP as well.

OK, I don’t want to kill my label printer, tell me more.

The most common hardware problem with inkjet label printers are clogged nozzles. An inkjet printhead has thousands of very tiny nozzles. Memjet claims to have 70,400 nozzles in an 8.77” printhead: https://www.memjet.com/versapass/.  These nozzles are all subject to clogging; and thus, ruining your day.

What causes print nozzles to clog?

The number one reason inkjet nozzles clog is particles carried into the printer on the label media.  As this foreign material enters the printhead, nozzles can get plugged.  The second reason for clogged nozzles is similar to the first; dust and other foreign material in the air may plug inkjet nozzles as well.  The third way inkjet nozzles will clog occurs when the ink inside of the printhead dries. Dried ink inside the printhead may occur when leaving the printer powered off for long periods of time, and/or when the printer is kept in very dry environmental conditions.

What are the symptoms of clogged print nozzles?

A plugged nozzle symptom will manifest as white lines running across the label print output in the orientation of the printhead. These white lines are a classic symptom of clogged print nozzles. The lines that you see are actually the white label where no ink was applied. The other tell-tail symptom of clogged print nozzles is when your printer constantly goes into maintenance mode.

The thin lines you see are from the label showing through due to clogged print nozzles.

My printer occasionally makes noise when idle and pauses often during printing. Epson Label Printers with an LCD display will show “maintenance" or "head maintenance".

Your label printer has a service called Head Maintenance that runs periodically to keep the ink jet nozzles clear, and to prevent them from drying out. This maintenance service works by forcing a small amount of ink through the printer’s nozzles. However, this service may run repeatedly when clogged nozzles are detected. 

Head Maintenance

In the C7500, one option is to turn on the “spitting function”; also called “Continuous Printing”.

C7500 Continuous Printing

With this setting, the printer “spits” out very small quantities of ink, invisible to the naked eye, randomly throughout the print.  Memjet printers have the same functionality.  Sometimes the label may appear slightly grey from the ink, even though you can’t see the individual drops without a magnifying glass.  We recommend this setting if the tiny ink spots are OK with your print output.

The other option is “pause” for maintenance.  In this situation, the printer stops occasionally to check the printhead.

On the C3500, you can turn off the checking/cleaning function of the printer to save ink and to reduce the number of maintenance kits required.  As we print very few labels, we typically run our C3500 with the “no missing dot detection mode” selected; and then clean manually when needed.

What can I do if my printer is in a clogged nozzle condition?

Performing a manual cleaning is a way to take control of removing clogs in the nozzles. Prior to performing a manual cleaning, it’s best practice to print a nozzle check pattern from the printer utility software. A nozzle check pattern will provide you a baseline view of the problem. The nozzle check pattern prints lines of every CMYK color and will reveal areas and the color(s) that are being affected by the clogged nozzles.

Nozzle check pattern

If you see gaps in the nozzle check pattern, the next step is to run a manual cleaning on the printer. After the cleaning cycle completes, you may want print out another nozzle check pattern to look for improvement.  You should repeat the cleaning/test pattern cycle until either the clogged nozzles have been cleared, or you no longer see improvement occurring.

The manual cleaning didn’t completely resolve the issue.  Now what?

Once you determine that the cleaning utility is unable to resolve the clogged nozzle condition, the printer will have to be repaired by the manufacturer in the case of Epson or any other manufacturer with permanent printheads.  For Memjet printers, you can also attempt to rehydrate the ink by placing the printhead in the shipping cap with distilled water.  If the nozzles remained plugged, you’ll need to replace the printhead.

How can clogged print nozzles be prevented in the first place?

The number one way to prevent nozzle plugging is to keep your label media in the plastic bags in which they shipped.  Keeping your labels in the bags reduces the likelihood of foreign material from entering the printer.

In addition, you should keep the work area with the printer relatively dust free.  Don’t run an inkjet printer in a dusty environment.

Also, it’s recommended that you keep the printer powered on at all times once you are printing regularly.  For example, Memjet recommends their printers run 24/7.  Also, don’t leave your printer powered off for a long period of time. Once powered off, the printer can no longer keep the nozzles from drying out.

When left powered on, the printer will not consume much electricity since as it switches into an Energy Saving Mode. While in energy saving mode, the printer will still perform a limited number of maintenance routines. 

Should I worry about “Dry Climates??

Whether hot or cold, dry climates will cause the ink in the print nozzles to dry at an increased rate. In conditions of low humidity below 20%, a humidifier may be placed near your printer, with the goal of keeping the proximate humidity above 20%.  Here are the general printer climate specifications: 

Temperature	Operating: 5 to 35°C {41 to 95°F}       Storage: -20 to 40°C {-4 to 104°F} (At 40°C {104°F}: up to 1 month)
Humidity	Operating: 20 to 80% RH.                    Storage: 5 to 85%RH (No condensation)

With thousands of inkjet label printers sold and installed, we find these devices as the best current option; and we want to keep them working for you.  We hope you find these recommendations of value.  If you follow the above recommendations, you fewer problems, and have more uptime on your inkjet label printer.

Happy Printing!

Tim Semic/Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com